Awka South Research Articles

Physico-chemical analysis of Obizi River in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria for domestic purposes

Physico-chemical properties of obizi river in awka south local government area of anambra state were analyzed for its pollution level and determined if it will be fit for domestic purposes. It is significant for cooking, drinking, fishing, recreational and other uses. It flows via a channel that may be contaminated by industrial, agricultural, and other anthropogenic activities, limiting its normal uses for cooking, drinking, fishing, recreational and other uses. The parameters analyzed includes temperature (°C), pH, turbidity (NTUb), conductivity μs/cm, resistivity mg/l, chloride mg/l. Temperature(°C), pH, turbidity (NTUb) resistivity mg/l and conductivity μs/cm was measured in-situ using mercury thermometer with a range of 100C -350C, pH meter (HANNA H1991002), turbidimeter (Hl 88703, WAGTECH), conductivity and resistivity multi-meter (HI 991300, Hanna Instruments, Romania) and chloride was determined by titration. The results of the analysis were equivalence with world health organization (WHO) limit for domestic drinking water and other purposes. From the results obtained, it showed that all the parameters analyzed were above WHO permissible limit except resistivity and chloride which is within the world health organization (WHO) limit for domestic drinking water. As much, it is not recommended for human consumption and is recommended that the state government put in place a treatment plant which can be used to treat the obizi river water before being used by the community that depends solely on it for domestic purposes.

Poverty Reduction in Awka Metropolis: The Role of Entrepreneurship Productivity

The study examined the contribution of entrepreneurship productivity towards poverty reduction using trading SMEs in Awka South as cases of reference. Specifically, the study determined the extent to which entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial skill acquisition and entrepreneurial innovation affect poverty reduction. Descriptive survey research design was deployed in the study. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered on a sample size of ninety-nine (99). The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach alpha statistic. Hypotheses testing was conducted with the aid of Spearman Ranked Order Correlation Coefficient at 5% level of significance. The results of the analysis revealed that: entrepreneurial education significantly contributes to poverty reduction among selected SMEs in Awka South (rho = 0.589, p-value = 0.000); entrepreneurial skill acquisition significantly influences poverty reduction among selected SMEs in Awka South (rho = 0.733, p-value = 0.000); and entrepreneurial innovation significantly helps in poverty reduction in Awka South (rho = 0.591, p-value = 0.000). Among others, it was recommended that the Anambra state government should invest more in massive entrepreneurial skill acquisition in order to help the citizens to learn various aptitudes that will enable them to be self-reliant.

EFFECT OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING ON PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS’ READING ACHIEVEMENT IN AWKA METROPOLIS

This study investigated the effect of cooperative learning on reading achievement of primary school pupils in Awka Metropolis in Awka South Local Government Area. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design specifically the pre-test, post-test control group design. The population comprised of 3,419 primary five pupils in Awka metropolis and 65 pupils selected from schools that use Macmillan English who participated in the study formed the sample for the study. Reading Achievement Test (RAT) with a reliability coefficient of 0.89 determined using Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 was used to collect data for the study. Pupils in the experimental group were taught reading using reciprocal peer tutoring, a type of cooperative learning considered in the study while those in the control group were taught reading using conventional method. Data collected were analyzed using mean scores for research questions and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) for testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Major findings revealed that pupils taught reading with Reciprocal Peer Tutoring (RPT) performed significantly better than those taught with conventional method did. There was no significant difference in the performance of male and female pupils taught reading with RPT. Based on the findings, it was recommended that teachers training colleges and universities should incorporate reciprocal peer tutoring in their curriculum so that prospective teachers will be acquainted with the basic skills for designing RPT instructional materials for use in their respective classrooms. Teachers should be well equipped and integrated with RPT for an effective teaching, mastery and its application in the teaching and learning processes.

Attitude towards the Teaching Profession: The Secondary School Teachers’ Outlook

Investigated in this study is the attitude of secondary school teachers towards the teaching profession. Survey design was adopted for the study and three research questions guided the study. The sample of the study comprises of all the 55 secondary school teachers of Senior Secondary 2 (SS2) in urban and rural schools, in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. The instrument for data collection was a 20 item questionnaire developed by the researchers. The data collected was analyzed by computing mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the secondary school teachers possessed positive attitude towards the teaching profession. It was also found that the female secondary school teachers had more positive attitude towards the profession than the male secondary school teachers. Furthermore, the secondary school teachers in urban areas had higher positive attitude than the secondary school teachers in rural areas. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that both the government and teacher organization should see to the training, retraining and motivation of secondary school teachers. If they are well-trained and motivated, they will be more committed and learning will be enhanced.

Malaria and Associated Risk Factors in Awka, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Malaria is still a major contributor to high rate of the global infectious disease–related mortality and morbidity due to its marked effects and alteration on the haematological parameters of infected individuals. This study was conducted to determine the following: prevalence and intensity of malaria, the associated risk factors of in Awka metropolis from January to June 2021. A total of 1060 subjects were enrolled int the study. Prevalence of malaria parasites was determined using thick and thin films. A total 925 individuals were infected with malaria parasite giving a prevalence of 87.3%. Of the 925 individuals infected, 743(80.3%) had mild infection, 150 (16.2%) moderate infection. The study showed that more males (94.2%) were infected with the malaria parasite than females (80.6%). The highest prevalence of malaria (94.3%) occurred among those less than ten years old while the least prevalence (72.2%) was recorded among those more than sixty years old. The prevalence of malaria in relation to age was statistically significant (p<0.05). In relation to occupation, farmers recorded the highest prevalence of malaria (94.7%) while civil servants had the least prevalence (65.4%). Based on literacy level, the highest prevalence of malaria was recorded among those with primary education (96.8%) while those with tertiary education had the least prevalence (84.3%). On marital status, married ones had the highest prevalence of malaria (91.9%) while the singles had the least prevalence (80.1%). The high prevalence of malaria in Awka calls for intensive education and free supply of insecticide treated nets.

EFFECT OF SELF-MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE ON LATE COMING AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOLS STUDENTS IN AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGERIA

Quality in education can be seen as fitness for purpose and one indicator of this is the Lateness to school is a behavioural problem that constitutes a serious academic impediment to both the students and the teachers in schools. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of the Self-management technique on late coming among secondary schools students in Awka South Local Government Area. One research question and one null hypothesis guided the study. Quasi-experimental research was adopted in carrying out the study. A sample size of 109 adolescents was chosen from a population of 355 students with records of habitual lateness to school. The sample was derived from three schools selected using the purposive sampling technique based on the schools that recorded a higher number of students that are chronic late-comers. The instrument, Observation Guide was used for data collection. Data relating to research questions were arranged in tabular form and used in answering the research questions while data relating to hypotheses were analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Findings from the study revealed that the Self-management technique was effective in modifying lateness behaviour and reducing the magnitude of lateness among secondary school students. The findings further revealed that the effect of the self-management technique in modifying lateness behaviour and reducing the magnitude of lateness among secondary school students was significant. Based on the findings, recommendations were made that the self-management technique is an effective technique for modifying students’ lateness behaviour for practicing counsellors. Therefore, practicing counsellors should adopt the use of these techniques in counselling secondary school students to avert lateness behaviour.

Effects of Different Rates of Wood Ash on the Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus Carota) in Awka, South Eastern Nigeria

A 2 by 4 experiment laid out in RCBD was conducted at Crop science and Horticulture agricultural farm, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. The experiments were conducted from June to September 2020 to study the effects of different rates (0.0, 0.1,0.2,0.3 t/ha) of wood ash on the growth and yields of carrot varieties in Awka South Eastern Nigeria, the experiment was carried out on pots and beds. It was observed that treatment 0.3 t/ha performed significantly better in most of the assessed parameters both on growth and yields such as: plant height, marketable yield, root diameter, whole plant biomass, root length, total yield and harvest index. While 0t/ha performed lowest in the growth and yield of carrot varieties for the bed experiment. On pot experiment, 0.2t/ha of wood ash gave highest result both on growth and yield parameters (harvest index, leaf fresh weight, marketable yield, root diameter, root fresh weight, root length, whole plant biomass, and total yield in the pot experiment). Then with 0.3t/ha of wood ash and carrotte touchon variety was the best combination for carrot yield on bed experiment. Generally, carrote touchon performed better than tonchon France carrot variety both in the pot and field. Field experiment was also the best experiment than pot experiment.

Evaluation of pest and diseases affecting cultivated mushroom in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Mushrooms, which are saprophytes have been used in biodegradation. This work studied the pest and diseases of mushrooms in Awka South Local Government Area and their control measures. Questionnaires were distributed to three (3) different markets namely: Eke Awka, Aman sea and Umuawulu and a total of 20 Questionnaires were collected. The respondents were Mushroom farmers and traders . They explained that insects, rodents and termites were the major pest that affects their mushroom farms and store houses. The diseases most common were Damping, Rot and Mold. This study showed that the various pest and diseases that affects mushrooms in Awka South Local Government Area can be effectively controlled and managed when properly cared for. Regular sanitary practices and use of recommended pesticides and fungicides can be used to check the various pest and diseases of mushrooms.

Geophysical Evaluations of Shallow Subsurface Area of Amawbia, Awka South, South Eastern Nigeria

Geophysical Evaluations of Shallow Subsurface Area of Amawbia, Awka South, South Eastern Nigeria

THE ROLE OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS IN ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF CONSTRAINTS TO EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AWKA, NIGERIA

The study was designed to investigate the constraints to the effective discipline of secondary school students in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra state. The survey design was adopted for the study. Five research questions guided the study. The population of the study comprised 1320 teachers. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Constraints to Effective Discipline of Secondary School Student Questionnaire (CEDSSSQ).” The instrument was face validated by three specialists, two from Educational Management and Policy and one from Educational Measurement and Evaluation, all in the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The questionnaire was trail-tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument and this yielded a reliability coefficient (0.74). Data were analyzed using frequency means to answer the research questions. Based on the findings, it was revealed that discipline problems encountered in secondary schools include: Truancy, stealing, assault on school prefects, absenteeism, fighting, and examination malpractice, among others. It was recommended, among others, that in order to stem indiscipline, specific disciplinary actions should be meted out against undisciplined students to discourage others from being unruly.

Digital Literacy and Utilization of ICT Resources for Teaching and Learning amongst Secondary School Teachers in Anambra State, Nigeria: Implications amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

The importance of digital learning was made abundantly clear when schools across the world transited from the traditional classroom learning to on-line learning as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic showed the world that we were not as prepared for digital learning as we thought. Teachers were not familiar with the issues brought on by digital learning and many students did not know how to properly employ available technology . This research, assess the level of digital literacy and use of ICT resources by secondary school teachers in Awka South, Anambra State. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to find out if the teachers in the secondary schools in Awka South LGA are digital literate, the extent of teacher’s awareness of ICT resources, find out if the teachers utilize ICT resources in curriculum delivery and examine the various problems encountered by the teachers in the use of e-learning resources, and as well explore what problems this poses to teaching and learning in the time of Covid-19. The study adopted a survey method. A total of two hundred and forty (240) senior class teachers were selected from nineteen (19) public secondary schools in Awka South. A formal questionnaire was constructed and used to collect data from a target group of 240 respondents as adopted. Descriptive analytical techniques such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were applied to analyze and interpret the data. The outcomes of such analysis are presented on tables. The result of the study showed that a number of the teachers are not digitally literate and are not aware of ICT and e-learning resource, which led to the disruption of teaching and learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. A major factor which contributed to inadequate awareness of ICT among teachers is lack of teacher’s professional development on ICT awareness and limited support and motivation from school leaders and the government. The few who are digital literate and could access ICT resources are confronted with problems such as lack of internet facilities, poor electricity, poor network, poor management and high cost of ICT facilities and internet data bundles. The study recommended provision of ICT facilities in secondary schools, the installation of internet facilities in secondary schools, subsidized data bundles, provision of e-libraries and creation of awareness about e-learning resources and compulsory ICT and Digital literacy training for teachers. Key words : ICT Resources, Digital Literacy, Awareness, Utilization, Secondary School Teachers. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-21-08 Publication date: July 31 st 2021

Economic analysis of fluted pumpkin production by women in AWKA south local government area of Anambra state, Nigeria

The study on economic analysis of fluted pumpkin production by women in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria was designed to investigate the socioeconomic characteristics of women in fluted pumpkin production, the profitability of the enterprise, exogenous variables affecting the women’s profit, and the challenges facing women fluted pumpkin farmers in the area. The study applied a multistage sampling technique using a well-structured questionnaire to collect data from a cross-section of 150 women fluted pumpkin farmers in the study area. The study utilized a combination of analytical tools such as descriptive statistics, budgetary method, least square regression model, and 3 points Likert type scale to operationalize the study objectives. The study revealed that the average age, household size, farm size, farming experience, and monthly income were approximately 45 years, 11 persons, 1.3 ha, 13 years, and N31,500.00 respectively. The net farm income from fluted pumpkin production was N42,870.0, the return on investment was 1.66 to show that for every N1 investment, the women will make N1.66. The socioeconomic variables that influence women’s profit were age, level of education, farm size, farming experience, source of labour, and monthly income. They are further challenged by a high cost of labour, poor storage facility, inadequate funding, and problems of land acquisition, high cost of seed, poor yield, pest, and disease among other variables in the study area.

Knowledge of occupational health hazards and preventive practices among abattoir workers in Anambra State

An occupational health hazard is any agent, substance, object, equipment, human behaviour or factor capable of injury, disability, disease or death in individual working in an organization. Occupational infections caused by transmissible agents like bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites and toxins produced by these organisms can be hazardous when contracted by abattoir workers in their daily practices. This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge of occupational health hazards and preventive practices among abattoir workers in Anambra State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty abattoir workers from the two major abattoirs in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The split half method was used to obtain a reliability index of 0.73 using Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient formula. The Chi-Square statistics was utilized to test the null hypothesis at0.05 level of significance and at the appropriate degree of freedom. Data regarding knowledge of occupational health hazards and the preventive practices against occupational health hazards were analyzed using frequency distribution tables and percentages. The mean and standard deviation of occupational hazard scores of the workers were 2.43 (2.93). The result showed that occupational hazards prevalent among these abattoir workers were of physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial, musculoskeletal and ergonomics in nature. Among the workers, 72.8% had a low level of knowledge while 27.3% had good knowledge of occupational hazards. 23.3% had good preventive practices while 67.7% had fair practice, Sex had a significant association with the level of knowledge (P<0.001) and practice (P=0.052) among the workers. The females had a higher level of knowledge than the males, while the males had a better practice of preventive measures than females. There is need to sensitize and organize trainings for abattoir workers to improve their knowledge and ensure proper control of occupational health hazards.

EFFECT OF ECONOMIC DEPRESSION ON GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES: A STUDY OF AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

This research work studied the effect of economic depression on the growth of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State and their contribution to economic growth. This research focuses on the extent to which economic hardship affects the operations and activities of SMEs in Awka South. The study was conducted in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Data for the study were collected from a representative sample of one hundred (100) SMEs entrepreneurs in the area. A systematic sampling technique would be used to select the respondents. The result of the analyses showed that economic depression impairs the growth of SMEs in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. There should be adequate provision of infrastructures, government should give special consideration to SMEs by patronizing SMEs output, government should attract international financial institutions towards the growth and development of small scale industries in Awka South and Nigeria at large etc. 
 
 JEL: L20; L23; L53
 
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NEW COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AS A SOURCE OF WESTERN CULTURAL IMPERIALISM IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF AWKA METROPOLIS IN ANAMBRA STATE

This study aimed at investigating new communication technologies as a source of western cultural imperialism in Nigeria; a study of Awka metropolis in Anambra State. Anchored on the framework of the Social Learning Theory, it delved into investigating the nature and the extent of domination using a survey of 100 respondents from Awka metropolis in Awka South local government area of Anambra State. The study adopted Survey method as the research design .A sample of 100 respondents were selected via the multi-stage approach. Data analysis was quantitative using simple percentages and Pearson’s Chi square test. Findings indicate that residents of Awka metropolis are adequately exposed to these new electronic communication technologies and that these technologies are potential channels for foisting western (and in particular American) culture on the people while possibly eroding the indigenous culture. For this reason, it is recommended among others that Nigeria should adopt protectionism (a system of using legal mechanisms to regulate media content so as to guard against domination) as a means of controlling western cultural imperialism.

In-School Adolescents’ Parent-Child Relationship as Predictor of Students’ Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools in Awka Education Zone

The main purpose of this study was to determine how in-school adolescents’ parent-child relationship predicts students’ academic achievement. Specifically, the study determined how in-school adolescent parent-child relationship predicted students’ academic achievement in Mathematics in secondary schools in Awka Education Zone. One research question and one null hypothesis guided the study. This research work is a co-relational study and was carried out in public secondary schools in Awka Education zone. The population of the study comprised of 11,266 secondary school students in the 18 public secondary schools in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The sample for the study consisted of 200 students. Ten schools were selected by simple random sampling. Twenty (20) students were selected from each of these schools using purposive sampling technique. A self-constructed instrument was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts and the reliability index determined using Cronbach alpha method. Data were collected by the researcher through direct hand-delivery process. Data collected were analyzed using range of scores to answer the research question while regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings indicated that parent-child relationship of the in-school adolescents predicted students’ achievements in Mathematics. Among others, it was recommended that parents should use warmth parent-child relationship than hostile parent-child relationship in handling their children especially as these children grow into adolescence.

Teaching Children with Special Needs in Nigerian Regular Classes: Impact of Gender, Marital Status, Experience, and Specialty

This study investigated the impact of teachers’ gender, marital status, years of experience, and specialty on their willingness to include children with special needs (CWSNs) in their classes. We adopted a cross-sectional survey design. Using a convenience sampling technique, 316 teachers from 15 state-owned secondary schools in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria participated in this study. Data were analysed with mean, t-test, and ANOVA. Findings showed that teachers were willing to include CWSNs in their classes, and only teachers’ specialty showed a significant impact on teachers’ willingness to teach CWSNs. It was concluded that aspects of the teacher socio-demographic variables that may affect their willingness to include CWSNs are those that could influence their competence. Limitations of studies were highlighted.

HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION/ FAMILY SIZE AND THE UTILIZATION OF FAMILY PLANNING

Family planning is a health measure which is regarded as effective in the developing world. Looking at so many works available, there is a lack of empirical work showing the utilization of family planning on household composition/family size. As a result of that, this study was conducted with the aim/objective of investigating the effect of family planning use on the household composition in Awka south. A quantitative means of data collection was employed among a sample of 100 participants. A random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. A pre-tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire and an interview guide was used to collect data on the effect of family planning use on composition. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings from the research shows that using the opinion of the respondents, there is a high level of neglect towards family planning as a result of low level of formal education in Awka South. This research recommends that there is need for increase in the level of education among married couples so as to avoid the ignorance of family planning method among them. It is also recommended that there should be an increase in the income rate of households to encourage family planning.

Child Labour Practices in a Developing Country: A Survey of Urban Communities in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, South- East, Nigeria

This paper examined child labour practice which is a common phenomenon in developing countries and one of the biggest obstacles to social development. Poverty is a major factor that influences this practice in third world nations. The study is anchored on symbolic interactionist theory. The mixed methods design was adopted in this study. The study population was 106,212 which is the population of adults aged 18years and above in awka south l.g.a.a samplesize of 200 was statistically generated using taro yamane formula for determining sample size. The multi-stage sampling procedure comprising simple random sampling and systematic sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents in the study. Questionnaire andin-depth interviews were the quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection used in the study. The statistical package for social sciences (spss) software was used to process the quantitative data while manual content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between poverty and child labour in awka south l.g.a. Also, results of the study showed that family size and poor educational level of parents are determinants of this ugly practice. The paper therefore recommended the need for government and non-governmental organizations (ngos) to partner and carry out massive public enlightenment campaigns, workshops and seminars to educate and sensitize parents and care-givers on the dangers of child labour practices. Also, existing laws on child abuse should be strengthened to prevent the perpetrators of this act to desist from it since it is a form of child abuse.

E-HEALTH LITERACY AND AVAILABILITY OF INTERNET WELLNESS INFORMATION ON FAST FOOD AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN AWKA SOUTH, ANAMBRA STATE

This study focused on e-health literacy and availability of Internet wellness information on fast food among adolescents. The avalanche of data on the Internet indicates that adolescents are likely to be influenced by online information on fast food. This study examined how exposure to online information induces dietary behaviour change among adolescents of Awka South, Anambra State. The study examined two theories: Health Belief Model that explains health behaviour and possible reasons for non-compliance with recommended health actions, and uses-and-gratifications approach which examines why and how people actively seek out particular media to satisfy specific needs. The study adopted a survey of 400 respondents using Cochran sample determination technique. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. Findings of the study showed that online wellness information induces dietary behaviour change and increased exposure to negative information about a product reduces the chances of its continued consumption.